Page 194

There it was.

The ugly truth.

His voice was quieter when he spoke again.

“You think I’m waiting to collect?”

“I didn’t say that.”

“You didn’t have to.”

I rubbed my forehead.

“I don’t know what I’m supposed to think, Rome. This isn’t normal for me.”

His face softened.

“I know.”

“I need to know I can still take care of Halo.”

“You can.”

“Then let me work.”

He stared at me for several seconds.

Then rubbed his beard.

“Actually…”

I narrowed my eyes.

“What?”

“I need somebody at Eastview.”

“No.”

His eyebrows lifted.

“You don’t even know what I’m offering.”

“I know you’re trying to give me a job.”

“I’m offering you an interview.”

I folded my arms.

“Same thing.”

“No, it ain’t.”

His mouth twitched.

“Eastview needs somebody in the leasing office. It’s a real position.”

“I don’t know shit about leasing.”